Local News Friday 13th January

Friday, 13 January 2023 07:15

Citizens Advice in Somerset says it is getting a higher-than-average number of calls from people saying they can no longer afford to top-up their electricity prepayment meters. A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp...and more

A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. The team will compete in the sport's National League beginning in June against sides from all around England.

Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. The library will be closed from Wednesday the 15th of February to Tuesday the 11th of April for the improvements to be carried out.

Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. The ceremonies, aimed at waking fruit trees from their winter slumber and to scare away evil spirits, ensuring a good harvest, take place at the Bere Cider Company in Aller, near Langport, tomorrow, and in Chard at the community orchard next to Chard Museum on Sunday. Both events start at around 5 pm and if you plan to take part you’re asked to take along some pots, pans, and drums to make some noise and help wake up the trees.

People living near the site of Glastonbury Festival have until the 31st of January to comment on a planning application to make the site permanent for the festival. Since its launch, Glastonbury Festival has operated on temporary licences issued by Mendip District Council, with the current licence ending in 2024.

Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp. A site measuring 1.4 hectares has been identified off Station Road for development. A previous application to build 12 homes on the site in 2019 was turned down

A new head has been appointed to run the region’s ambulance service. Stephen Otter, who was previously the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has taken on the role of Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more